4.1 WarmUp: Understanding the Executive Branch

A key weakness of America's first government under the Articles of Confederation was

• Lack of a legislative branch

• Too many members in Congress

• Lack of an executive branch

• Lack of state representation

• Too easy to pass laws

Which of the following is a qualification for becoming the President of the United States according to Article II of the Constitution?

• Must be at least 30 years old

• Must have received US citizenship in the last 5 years

• Must have lived in the U.S. for 10 years

• Must be a natural-born citizen

• Must not be over 70

Explain the purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government.

• To allow the president to have absolute power

• To ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful

• To give Congress the ability to declare war

• To allow the judicial branch to create laws

Which power of the President inserts them into the legislative process?

• Declaring war

• Granting pardons

• Appointing federal judges

• Vetoing laws

• Getting impeached

How does the impeachment process serves as a check on presidential power?

• It allows the president to be removed by the Supreme Court

• It enables Congress to remove a president for treason, bribery, or other high crimes

• It permits the president to be fined for misconduct

• It allows the president to be re-elected without opposition

• It allows the President to pardon themselves

What is the significance of the President's cabinet in the executive branch?

• They create laws for the president to enforce

• They advise the president on various issues and help implement laws

• They have the power to veto congressional decisions

• They are responsible for interpreting the Constitution

• They have the ability to make laws themselves

Which department would be responsible for outlining the details of and enforcing a new federal law related to job training programs for the unemployed?

• Department of Education

• Department of Labor

• Department of Commerce

• Department of Health and Human Services

• State Department

Article II, Section 1, Clause 8:

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

This excerpt of the Constitution refers to which of the following?

• To ensure the president is loyal to their political party

• To publicly commit to upholding and defending the Constitution

• To allow the president to bypass congressional approval

• To grant the president unlimited power during their term

Identify the department responsible for managing the nation's finances and explain its role in the executive branch.

• Department of Commerce; it regulates trade and industry

• Department of Treasury; it manages the nation's finances

• Department of Defense; it oversees military spending

• Department of State; it handles foreign affairs

Which of the following are checks and balances of the Executive Branch? Select all that apply!

• Appoints Supreme Court Justices

• Has the power to Veto a bill

• Has the power to impeach

• Can declare laws and acts unconstitutional